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Photo by Tom O'Brien (April 1 vs. UMass Lowell)
Photo by Tom O'Brien (April 1 vs. UMass Lowell)
Posted: May 15, 2014

Madsen, Velasquez tabbed as 2014 NFCA All-Northeast Region

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Just over 24 hours away from leading their team to its first ever Division NCAA Regional appearance, sophomore pitcher Elle Madsen (Wheat Ridge, Colo.) and junior center fielder Madeline Velasquez (Los Angeles, Calif.) of the Bryant University softball team each earned 2014 NFCA All-Northeast Region recognition, announced the NFCA Thursday morning.

Madsen, the 2014 Northeast Conference Player of the Year and two-time All-NEC First Teamer, was named to the NFCA All-Northeast Region Second Team, while Velasquez, also a 2014 All-NEC First Team honoree, was tabbed to the NFCA All-Northeast Region Third Team.

Madsen put together one of the most complete seasons in Bryant softball history, leading the team in average (.355), homeruns (13), RBI (41), ERA (2.66), wins (25), and stirkeouts (148). Guiding her team from inside the pitching circle and from the cleanup spot in the batting order, the sophomore phenom helped bring Bryant softball its first NEC Championship in program history just a week ago. Her 13 homeruns, 41 RBI, and 25 wins are all single-season program records, and her 226.2 innings pitched and 148 strikeouts are second best in a single season at Bryant.

Not to be outdone, Velasquez put together an equally impressive 2014 season, hitting in the three hole and anchoring the stalwart Bulldog outfield. The junior centerfielder hit .337 (seventh in NEC), with 58 hits (third in NEC), 37 RBI (third in NEC), and 13 doubles (second in NEC) in 168 at bats (second in NEC). Velasquez played a nearly perfect centerfield, committing just one error through 51 games. This NFCA honor is Velasquez's second of her career after earning a NFCA All-Northeast Region Second Team selection as a freshman.

Madsen, Velasquez and the rest of the Bulldogs will open their first-ever Division I NCAA Regional appearance when they do battle with #7 seed and regional host Oklahoma, Friday evening in Norman, Okla. (8:30 p.m. EST).

For all the latest news on the Bryant University softball team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.